PE in FIS Race Course
By Ville Minkkinen, P.E., Music & Wood Craft teacher
Why is Physical Education (PE) a separate subject in schools? The reasons vary across different eras and countries. Some might argue that it helps students meet their need for physical activity during school hours, while others see it as a foundation for future sports careers. However, our approach to PE is distinct and comprehensive. In Finland, educational guidelines, supported by extensive research, recommend that children aged 7-12 engage in physical activity for at least 1.5-2 hours daily. For older students, the recommendation is 1-1.5 hours per day, while children under 7 should be physically active for 3 hours daily. Since it's impractical to schedule that many PE classes every day without compromising other essential subjects, we focus on two key areas:
Firstly, our primary goal is to spark a passion for physical activity in students. Recognising that each student is unique, we offer a wide range of activities (Swimming, ball games, gymnastics, horseback riding, athletics, team-building games etc.) to help them discover their own interests. In fact, specialising in a single sport before age 15 can hinder a potential sports career, and pushing a child into one hobby too frequently can dampen their enthusiasm for sports. That’s why we don’t force; we encourage. As a result, we see our sports areas filled with happy children who are actively moving and enjoying themselves. Finnish pedagogy emphasises self-management skills, encouraging students to take responsibility for leading an active and healthy lifestyle. They also learn teamwork and safety skills, making it easier to participate in group activities, and motor skills, ensuring that pursuing or starting a hobby is both motivating and enjoyable. That’s how activity continues in free time.
Physical activity extends beyond PE classes. During breaks, students have opportunities to engage in various activities like ball games, gymnastics, climbing and playing in groups. They can choose what interests them most, and for those less inclined towards physical activities, we encourage finding personal ways to enjoy movement. Even in the classroom, students remain active. Research shows that concentration diminishes after sitting for more than 20-30 minutes, so we incorporate physically engaging tasks and functional learning across all subjects.
So, why do we do this? Insufficient physical activity causes widespread health problems across our population. In today’s world, building an active lifestyle is increasingly challenging as technology takes over tasks we once did ourselves, and smartphones often provide more stimulation than physical activity. Our goal is not just to encourage children to move now, but to lay the foundation for lifelong physical activity. By fostering a love for movement and equipping students with the skills to stay active, we trust that their motivation will sustain them into the future. Even the greatest sports careers are built on strong motivation. Whatever the goal, it all begins with enjoyment!
